After a series of intense Heats across Australia, the Music & Opera Singers Trust proudly announces the Semi-Finalists for the highly anticipated 2024 IFAC Handa Australian Singing Competition.
Under the discerning eye of National Adjudicator and acclaimed soprano Natalie Aroyan, alongside local Adjudicators, ten exceptional young singers have been selected to compete in the Semi-Finals Concert, set to captivate audiences on Sunday, August 18, at The Independent Theatre in North Sydney.
The selected Semi-Finalists, representing diverse vocal talents from various regions across Australia, include Lisette Bolton (VIC), Ruth Burke (WA), Georgia Cooper (NSW), Aidan Hodder (QLD), Jake Lyle (QLD), Ariana Ricci (NSW), Molly Ryan (NSW), Eden Shifroni (NSW), Bonnie Staude (WA), and Leon Vitogiannis (NSW).
Of particular note is Leon Vitogiannis, a baritone and Musical Director of the Hellenic Choir, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the competition. Leon's previous accolades and involvement in the arts community further enhance the anticipation surrounding this event.
Attendees of the Semi-Finals Concert can anticipate an evening brimming with powerful performances and captivating arias as each Semi-Finalist brings their unique voice and interpretation to the stage. This event not only celebrates Australia's exceptional talent but also emphasizes the importance of supporting the arts and nurturing young artists.
The IFAC Handa Australian Singing Competition is renowned for propelling the careers of future opera stars, providing a prestigious platform for emerging talent. The semi-final concert serves as a pivotal moment in the Semi-Finalists' journey, with aspirations of advancing to the Finals, slated for Thursday, September 19, at the Concourse in Chatswood.
Event Details:
- Venue: The Independent Theatre, 269 Miller St, North Sydney
- Date: Sunday, August 18, at 4:30 pm
- Cost: Various
- Bookings: Link
- Information: Website
Witness the next generation of opera talent as they take the stage in a showcase of vocal prowess and artistic finesse at the semi-final concert of the IFAC Handa Australian Singing Competition.
About Leon Vitogiannis
Leon Vitogiannis is establishing himself as one of Australia’s most promising young baritones, with a burgeoning career in both opera and concert performances. Having completed degrees at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music under the guidance of Mr. Andrew Dalton and Dr. David Greco, Leon has amassed an impressive array of stage and concert credits.
His stage repertoire boasts notable roles such as Figaro in "The Barber of Seville," Aeneas in "Dido and Aeneas," Eisenstein in "Die Fledermaus," Leporello in "Don Giovanni," and Mr. McC. in Foss’ "Introductions and Goodbyes."
In the realm of concert performances, Leon has showcased his vocal prowess in works such as "Requiem" by Mozart, "Messiah" by Handel, "Ein Deutsches Requiem" by Brahms, "Requiem" by Fauré, "Paulus" by Mendelssohn, and the Australian premiere of "Requiem for an Angel" by Carr. His dedication to expanding his opera and oratorio repertoire is complemented by his commitment to Lieder and Art Songs, with a focus on the song cycles of Schubert, Schumann, and Mahler.
In 2023, Leon held a prestigious position as a Young Artist with Pacific Opera Studio, where he distinguished himself in roles such as Eisenstein in Strauss’ "Die Fledermaus" and Il Conte in "The Marriage of Figaro." He has since returned for their 2024 season, further solidifying his reputation as a versatile and dynamic performer on both the opera and concert stage.
